Best of Los Angeles

Los Angeles Unmissables

Explore the architectural and cultural evolution of Downtown Los Angeles. This collection spans from the city's 1781 birthplace at El Pueblo and the Mexican marketplace of Olvera Street to Frank Gehry’s stainless-steel Walt Disney Concert Hall. Discover historic landmarks like the 1939 Union Station and the Bradbury Building alongside premier art institutions including The Broad and the Museum of Contemporary Art. The list also features unique local icons like the Angels Flight funicular and the whimsical collections of Velveteria.

Los Angeles Unmissables — Map

Visitor7 / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Modern concert hall designed by Frank Gehry, known for its striking architecture and as the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It hosts a variety of classical, contemporary, and jazz performances.

Jani Patokallio / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Olvera Street

Historic pedestrian street and cultural district featuring Mexican heritage, cobblestone streets, shopping, and dining.

Tim Ahem / CC BY 3.0

C

Los Angeles City Hall

This 27-storey skyscraper is one of the landmarks of Los Angeles, its clear white façade standing out against the deep blue sky.

Martin Kucera / CC-BY-SA

D

The Broad Museum

The Broad () is a contemporary art museum on Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles.

Highsmith, Carol M., 1946-… / Public domain

E

Bradbury Building

The Bradbury Building is an architectural landmark in downtown Los Angeles, California, United States.

MarieVelde / CC BY 3.0

F

Angels Flight

Angels Flight is a landmark and historic 2 ft 6 in narrow gauge funicular railway in the Bunker Hill district of Downtown Los Angeles,…

MarieVelde / CC BY 3.0

G

Angels Flight

Angels Flight is a landmark and historic 2 ft 6 in narrow gauge funicular railway in the Bunker Hill district of Downtown Los Angeles,…

David Wilson / CC BY 2.0

H

Union Station

Historic and iconic train station serving as a major transportation hub and cultural landmark featuring modern architecture.

Sgerbic / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Chinatown

It is a great place to visit for those who are interested in Asian (and especially Chinese) culture, traditions and cuisine.

Chris Eason / CC BY 2.0

J

Broadway

The history of this LA's important street stretches back to 1849. Nowadays, you can find many historic buildings and theaters along Broadway…

Minnaert / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles is a contemporary art museum with two locations in greater Los Angeles, California.

Andreas Praefcke / CC BY 3.0

L

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

This post-modern Roman Catholic cathedral (finished in 2002) is a must-see when in Los Angeles.

Johnnydeezwax / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

The Last Bookstore

There are many bookstores in Los Angeles but this one is definitely something else.

Eot1986 / CC BY-SA 3.0

N

El Pueblo Los Angeles Plaza Historic Park

This park and the surrounding area used to be the heart and core of Los Angeles. In this area, the city was set up.

Carol M. Highsmith / Public domain

O

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument

A 44-acre historic district marking the site where Los Angeles was founded in 1781. It contains the city's oldest standing residences, including the 1818 Avila Adobe, centered around the historic Plaza and the Mexican marketplace of Olvera Street.

George Kelly / CC BY 2.0

P

Velveteria

This strange gallery displays velvet paintings of celebrities, political figures, animals and more.

Other Lists

Los Angeles Museums & Galleries Los Angeles Architectural Gems LA Theaters & Music Venues LA Views and City Parks